SIR Cliff Richard was left "unnecessarily distressed" after police raided his home over a sex assault allegation live on BBC television, a probe into the incident has found.

Images from the swoop were broadcast live around the world last August after the 74-year-old pop veteran was accused of sexually assaulting a boy under the age of 16 nearly 30 years ago.

Now a previously unpublished report has determined that Sir Cliff had his privacy violated following a controversial deal between police and the BBC.

The report was compiled by independent investigator and former chief constable Andy Trotter and was released to the Daily Mail under a Freedom of Information request.

Mr Trotter said: "People have seen a search of Sir Cliff Richard’s apartment unfold on television with details of a serious allegation put into the public domain prior to him being interviewed by the police.

"The search and the nature of the allegation... certainly interfered with his privacy and may well have caused unnecessary distress."

He further concluded that if officers had refused to co-operate, the BBC would probably not have run the story.

GETTY

Sir Cliff has labelled the claims against him as 'false'

BBC reporter Dan Johnson had not been interviewed by Mr Trotter.

South Yorkshire Police say they entered the deal, which saw the BBC agree to delay by a month the publishing of the investigation, because they feared vital evidence would be lost if they reported on the investigation before the raid took place.

The search and the nature of the allegation... certainly interfered with his privacy and may well have caused unnecessary distress

Andy Trotter

In return, the broadcaster were tipped off about the timing of the swoop.

A BBC spokesman said: "The Home Affairs Committee has already endorsed the way the BBC handled this story."

Sir Cliff has repeatedly branded the allegation against him as "false" and has not been charged or arrested.

He was interviewed under caution and inquiries are still ongoing.

Earlier this month is was reported that the defiant rock star is certain the claims will be dismissed and that he "wants to get on with his life", according to close friends.